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Aloe Vera – Nature’s first aid plant for your mouth?

When we think of aloe vera, most often we think of a scorching sunburn and the instant cooling relief that application of the plant brings. Aloe vera accelerates healing and can reduce pain and discomfort, but not just for your skin! According to the Academy of General Dentistry, this unique wonder plant that has been used for more than 2,000 years for medicinal purposes can bring relief from pain associated with canker sores, cold sores, oral lichen planus, and gingivitis. For patients seeking an inexpensive, easily accessible, and natural alternative to over the counter pain relievers, this is great news!

How does it work?

Let’s be honest, those 7-10 days that a canker sore lasts are pure agony. Every spicy, hot, cold, sugary, citrusy, or crunchy thing you eat is attracted like a magnet to the one place you don’t want it to touch! Aloe contains anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties because it contains salicylates, like aspirin. When applied, it adds amino acids, and vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and C) to the area, accelerating the healing process.

How to use?

You can squeeze the gel directly from the aloe vera leaf, drink it as a supplement, use aloe vera lip balm, purchase from a health food store in juice form, or you can use your own juicer at home. It is recommended that 1-3 tablespoons of aloe vera juice should be used as a mouthwash then swallowed up to three times daily depending on the pain and discomfort level.

Of course, if you are having prolonged discomfort or pain that lasts a week or longer in your mouth that over the counter or homeopathic treatments are not addressing, please contact Dr. Brayer at Creating Smiles Dental in St. Petersburg to schedule a consultation. Extensive or ongoing pain could be a symptom of a much larger problem.